Insurance brokers say the first step consumers needing insurance should do is determine whether they are eligible for a tax credit.

Most major health insurance companies feature a tax credit tool on their websites. In a few clicks, consumers can see if they qualify for a tax subsidy.

Carol D’Alessandro is an insurance broker in Mount Lebanon. She said for consumers who do not qualify for the tax subsidy, it is not worth attempting to navigate the federal health care marketplace.

“The plan selection isn't as great on the federal as it is in the private marketplace, so you'll have more choices,” said D’Alessandro. “If you don't qualify for subsidy, you're much better off going to the private marketplace because you'll have a much larger selection of plan designs.”

She added that all consumers can get free help securing health insurance. D’Alessandro recommends finding an insurance agent or insurance broker. They have been trained on the topic and have expertise on what plan best suits individual consumers. Also, it doesn’t cost consumers anything to use an insurance broker. Their fees are paid by insurance carriers.

EXPERIENCE." AND ASSURED THE PUBLIC-- THEIR PERSONAL DATA IS SECURE. IF YOU HAVE YET TO SIGN UP-- WE HAVE NEW INFORMATION. CHANNEL 4 ACTION NEWS REPORTER SHANNON PERRINE TONIGHT ON THE BEST WAY TO GET THE COVERAGE YOU NEED - WITHOUT PAYING 3 3 3 TRACK:AND YOU CAN FIND OUT IN ABOUT SIXTY SECONDS IF YOU QUALIFY FOR TAX CREDIT. SOMETHING YOU CAN DO ALL BY YOURSELF.ALL THE MAJOR HEALTH INSURANCE COMPANIES HAVE AN ONLINE CALCULATOR TO DETERMINE IF YOU'RE ELIGIBLE.IF YOU'RE NOT - DON'T EVEN BOTHER GOING TO THE FEDERAL INSURANCE MARKETPLACE.áááCAROL SOTáááÑ 3 TRACK:THE FACTORS TO DETERMINE IF YOU'LL GET A TAX CREDIT: YOUR AGE, YOUR INCOME, WHERE YOU LIVE, AND IF YOU USE TOBACCO.ALSO, FIND AN INSURANCE AGENT OR INSURANCE BROKER.THEY'VE DONE ALL THE HOMEWORK.AND YOU WON'T HAVE TO PAY THEM. 3 3 3

Hillary Clinton did not have a State Department email account while she served as America's top diplomat, a senior state department official said Monday, and instead used a personal email account during her four years on the job.